Christie defended his decision, saying the federal government has not provided states with enough specifics for him to commit to the exchange. He said he would be willing to reconsider once the federal government provides specifics on cost and the balance of control between federal and state governments.

"If you have cancer and you don't have health insurance, that's Hurricane Sandy," Stewart said. Christie explained that not having a state-run exchange is not the same thing as not providing coverage.

"That's a ridiculous question," Christie said. "If you're someone that favors government-run health care, that's a point of view. It's an absolutely acceptable point of view, but one that I disagree with."